The name Dannagher originated among the descendants of the ancient Pictish clans. It is derived from the personal name Dennis. Dannagher is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Some patronyms were formed from the personal names of the father of the bearer, while others came from prominent religious and secular figures. The surname Dannagher was first established in Lancashire, prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Dannagher Early Origins

The surname Dannagher was first found in Lancashire (located in northwest England and dates back to 1180), where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Dannagher Spelling Variations

Dannagher Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Dannagher include Denny, Denney, Dennie, Denie, Denye, Deanney, Deannie and many more.

Dannagher Early History

Dannagher Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dannagher research. Another 257 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 10,0, 1424, 1634, 1st , 1676, 1501 and 1549 are included under the topic Early Dannagher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dannagher Early Notables (pre 1700)

Dannagher Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dannagher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dannagher In Ireland

Dannagher In Ireland

Some of the Dannagher family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 45 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Dannagher: Thomas Denny from Combs, Devon, England settled in Leicester, Massachusetts in 1646; Mary Denny settled in New England (Massachusetts) in 1635; another Mary Denny settled in Maryland in 1736.

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

The Dannagher Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Dannagher Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.